Barbara Mertz
Barbara Mertz: A Prolific Author and Egyptologist
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Barbara Mertz was an American author, Egyptologist, and linguist, best known by her pen names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels.
Birth and Death Dates
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Barbara Mertz was born on May 29, 1927, in Canton, Illinois. She passed away on August 13, 2013, at the age of 86.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Mertz held dual American-Egyptian nationality. Her profession spanned multiple disciplines: author, Egyptologist, linguist, and translator.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Illinois, Mertz developed a fascination with ancient civilizations. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and later pursued a Master's degree in Linguistics at the University of Chicago. Her academic pursuits led her to translate Egyptian hieroglyphs for the United States government.
Major Accomplishments
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Mertz's significant contributions lie in both Egyptology and literature:
As an Egyptologist, she deciphered Coptic texts, shedding new light on ancient Coptic culture.
Her expertise in linguistics earned her a spot as a translator for the United States government.
Notable Works or Actions
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Mertz's writing career spanned multiple genres:
Under the pseudonym Elizabeth Peters, she penned 38 novels of mystery and adventure. One notable series is the Amelia Peabody mysteries.
As Barbara Michaels, Mertz wrote 24 novels in the suspense and supernatural genres.
Impact and Legacy
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Mertz's work has left a lasting impact on both literature and Egyptology:
Her novels have been widely praised for their historical accuracy, engaging characters, and intriguing plots.
In the realm of Egyptology, her contributions to deciphering Coptic texts have expanded our understanding of ancient cultures.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mertz's influence extends beyond her written works:
Her commitment to historical accuracy has raised the bar for authors in various genres.
As an Egyptologist, she continues to inspire new generations of scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Quotes by Barbara Mertz
Barbara Mertz's insights on:
If you take a man by surprise, and behave with sufficient arrogance, he will generally do what you ask. -Emerson.
Dogs can be made to feel guilty about anything, including the sins of their owners. Cats refuse to take the blame for anything – including their own sins.
I knew the answer, and – of course – so did Ramses. He has superb breath control and always gets in ahead of me.
Sometimes the characters develop almost without your knowing it. You find them doing things you hadn’t planned on, and then I have to go back to page 42 and fix things. I’m not recommending it as a way to write. It’s very sloppy, but it works for me.
I have no writing habit. I work when I feel like it, and I work when I have to – mostly the latter.
The only people who are not in awe of Emerson’s powerful voice and well-nigh superhuman strength are the members of his own family. He is aware of this, and often complains about it; so from time to time I like to put on a little show of being intimidated. ‘Proceed, my dear,’ I said apologetically.
Most men are reasonably useful in a crisis. The difficulty lies in convincing them that the situation has reached a critical point.
The way to get on with a cat is to treat it as an equal – or even better, as the superior it knows itself to be.